Control mechanism for a magnetic-tape-cassette apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a control mechanism for a magnetic-tape-cassette apparatus, which mechanism comprises two adjacent axially movable actuating rods (33, 34) for switching two different operating modes of the apparatus. The command mechanism comprises a command member (250), which cooperates with a servo rod (260) which is axially reciprocable by means of a servo motor (22). The command member carries a command pin which engages a basically closed guideway (253) in which the pin can travel in one direction only. The guideway branches into a first (254) and a second command track (255) which the command pin can enter from the guideway. Drive portions (33a, 34a) of the actuating rods engage the command tracks. When it enters the first or the second command track the command pin shifts the relevant drive portion of the corresponding actuating rod so as to move this rod.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A control mechanism for a magnetic-tape-cassette apparatus, said mechanism comprising two adjacent axially movable actuating rods for switching two different operating modes of the apparatus, a servo motor and a servo rod axially reciprocable by means of said motor, the improvement comprising a command member connected to said servo rod for movement therewith, a basically closed guideway which branches into a first and a second command track and drive portions of said actuating rods, each located in an associated command track, said command member carrying a command pin which can travel in said guideway in one predetermined direction only, said command pin as it travels in the first or the second command track driving the drive portion of a corresponding actuating rod so as to move said rod. 
     
     
       2. A control mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said command member is a connecting rod, said command pin being located on the end of said connecting rod which is remote from said servo rod. 
     
     
       3. A control mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein the end of said connecting rod opposite said command pin is connected to an end portion of said servo rod. 
     
     
       4. A control mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 3 including a command block rigidly connected to said apparatus, said common tracks and said guideway being formed in said command block. 
     
     
       5. A control mechanism as claimed in claim 4 wherein said command block includes a hold-down means which urges said command pin into said command tracks and said guideway. 
     
     
       6. A control mechanism as claimed in claim 1 including a reversing switch which cooperates with the servo rod and is so arranged relative to the path of axial movement of said rod that the direction of rotation of the motor can be reversed by actuation of the switch only when said command pin has reached such a location in the guideway that it must travel through the guideway in said predetermined direction. 
     
     
       7. A control mechanism as claimed in claim 6 wherein said guideway comprises a starting position for the command pin from which starting position the command pin can enter the first command track directly, said command pin being able to enter the second command track only after traveling from said starting position to another position. 
     
     
       8. A control mechanism as claimed in claim 7 wherein said command pin is in the starting position for the apparatus to be in the play mode and said command pin has traveled through the first or the second command track for the apparatus to be in one of two fast wind modes. 
     
     
       9. A control mechanism as claimed in claim 7 wherein said guideway branches into a third command track disposed in line with the path of movement of the servo rod and said reversing switch is rendered inoperative when the command pin enters the third command track.